Kei Nishikori Reflects on Nearly Two Decades Since His First Japan Open as He Retires

Nearly 20 years ago, Kei Nishikori stepped onto the ATP Tour for the first time. His debut came at the 2007 Countrywide Classic, where he was edged out by South Africa's Wesley Moodie in the opening round.

Shortly after, Nishikori earned his first ATP wins, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic. On Thursday, Nishikori ended his professional career after a loss to US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe, who defeated him 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the Japan Open.

That match marked almost two decades since Nishikori's initial appearance at the Japan Open.

Nishikori’s 2007 Japan Open Debut

Granted a wildcard for the 2007 Japan Open, Nishikori faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round. At the time, Fleishman was ranked 127th in the world and had just recorded a notable win over world number six Fernando Gonzalez at the Countrywide Classic.

Fleishman proved a tough opponent for the 17-year-old Nishikori, winning 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman then fell in the next round to the French player Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025.

The following year, Nishikori returned to Tokyo and celebrated his first victories at the event. The 18-year-old defeated Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before being stopped by Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Japan Open Triumphs

Kei Nishikori claimed the Japan Open title twice during his career, lifting the trophy in 2012 and again in 2014.

In 2012, he overcame Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis to reach the final. Nishikori then beat future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic 7-6, 3-6, 6-0 to win the tournament.

"It's absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after the victory, according to Sky Sports. "To win an ATP 500 event will give me more confidence in the future. I'd never played well in Japan but since beating (second seed) Tomas Berdych, I felt I'd broken that wall down. To reach the top 10 is my target now."

Two years later, Nishikori again faced Raonic in the Japan Open final, prevailing 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This achievement placed Nishikori among a select group of four players to win multiple Japan Open titles.

Other multiple-time champions include Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Stefan Edberg, with Edberg holding the record for the most titles at four.

Nishikori also reached the final in 2018 but lost in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev.